Are Pediatric Offices “Supportive” of Breastfeeding? Discrepancies between Mothers’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Reports

Abstract

According to previous research, pediatricians describe themselves as being “supportive” of breastfeeding, yet demonstrate suboptimal knowledge and skills when evaluated. Mothers also report dissatisfaction with receiving poor information and support from healthcare professionals (HCPs). To understand the depth of breastfeeding support problems within pediatric clinics, focus groups with mothers and individual interviews with HCPs were completed in 2000 to 2001 at a pediatric practice in a Midwest state. Results from interviews suggest that HCPs and mothers have different perceptions of “support.” Existing literature hypothesizes that improvements in support provision could increase breastfeeding durations; this will ultimately involve reconciling mothers’ and HCPs’ definitions of breastfeeding “support.”